Interview with a cyclist - Gerry Lauzon of Free Advice on how to fix your bicycle

I've added a new feature to my blog- a weekly interview with someone of interest within the bicycle community. I hope you enjoy this week's post with Gerry Lauzon from Montreal, Canada, publisher of a free e-book called, A bit more than basic bicycle maintenance for the average cyclist. 

The Goose, before pa

Tell us about your favorite bike. What do you like the most about it and why is it special to you?

This one is complicated. Every bike I've owned in the past 20 years, I've put together myself in order to answer specific needs. This is influenced by the type of riding, the riding environment, what I wish to accomplish and the state of my body. I had a lot of fun with the first recumbent I built but now it's not practical to ride in the City. However, it was perfect to cover long distances in the suburbs. I loved my single gear cruiser, the "Goose", but my body just can't push that 60 pounder up the Montreal hills anymore. I love my last custom bike but it really lags behind in group rides with fixie riders. It's great on flats, it's very comfortable but it kills me on the hills. So I'm guessing that the one I am building now will fit the bill for me. I've always wanted to build the ultimate city bike and I think I'll be able to pull it off. If I have to limit my answer to one bike though, it has to be the "Goose". I found it in the garbage and it was a 10 year work in progress that brought me a lot of fun.

How has cycling changed your life?

I think it actually saved it. I had a heart attack at 43 and if it wasn't for cycling, I might be in very bad shape. It also made me conscious of the waste that is the single driver in a car sitting in city traffic.  

 

 

 

I do most of my bicycle maintenance in my kitchen (with my limited skills), where's the oddest place you've ever done bicycle maintenance or mechanics?

I've rebuilt a classic cruiser in my living room once when my wife and kids were away in Florida. Fun times! :)

I rely heavily on the advice of more experienced riders, what would be your first piece of advice for someone hoping to start cycling?

Be comfortable. Nothing will keep you off the saddle like an uncomfortable ride. Dump the hype and make sure you are very comfy on your ride of choice. Think of your comfort first and It will keep you riding longer.

Do you have any cycling goals or aspirations for the coming year?

I've recently discovered photography in a big way and I want to ride the City in search of interesting things to shoot. What better way than on a bike. That is what's motivating my current build.

Where can we hear more about your journey?

On my bike blog at http://howtofixbikes.ca